Waffles is Looking for his Forever Home

Featured

by
Waffles with his bone

The Family Pet

Waffles needs you! This handsome boy was abandoned on a back road in Verbena, Ala. He is very sweet and has even had a few meet and greets for adoption, but he has one small issue… he is shy. Considering his backstory, we are not totally surprised. He is slowly but surely coming around. Whereas at one time he would literally try to melt into the corner of the play yard to remain unseen, he now greets the rescue staff with tail wags and timid kisses.

Waffles with his bone
Learn more about Waffles and other adoptable animals here.

We have discovered that he absolutely adores belly rubs and going to the river. He likes to just sit in the water and watch the world spin around him, he has no interest in splashing around like some excitable puppy. Waffles is looking for a family who will give him the patience and love he needs. Someone who understands that great things take a little time. Someone who promises to show him his days of abandonment are over. 

Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray and distressed animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two operates out of Helena, Ala., and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses, and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has adopted out dogs across the United States and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit www.twobytworescue.com.

You can meet some of the adorable animals available for adoption through Two by Two Rescue at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 16, 2023 at the Hoover Met Complex’s Finley Center. Learn more at www.birminghamchristian.com/expo2023. †

by
bigstock Loving Grandparents Talking Wi 431323874

Special Feature

It is a documented fact. Today’s grandparents are more intellectually curious, tech-savvy, physically active, and creative than a generation ago. Dr. Gene Cohen states in his book The Creative Age, “Studies of aging are showing that the potential for creative expression in the 2nd half of life is not the exception but the rule. Creative expression occurs not despite aging but because of aging.”

When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and said in Ephesians 2:10, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them,” the age of his audience was never specified. Every age is applied! As our grandchildren return to their learning environments, grandparents should lead the way to the joy of learning and of being a life-long student. 

As a grandparent consider:

  • Never stop dreaming. Never stop setting goals or planning personal and family adventures.
  • Gather and create a resource of beloved books to pass on to children and grandchildren.
  • Learn a new interest. Take a course of study. Learn a new hobby.
  • Travel to new places – near and far.

For the grandchild consider: 

  • Join or start a moms/grandmoms prayer group. Go to www.momsinprayer.org for information.
  • Volunteer to read in your grandchild’s classroom or school library.
  • Create a field trip matching what your grandchild is learning. Visit historical locations or museums.
  • Find out what they may be learning in history, science, or biology then research further to generate discussion.
  • Support your grandchild’s teacher. Send encouraging notes and prayerful thoughts. 
  • Volunteer to help with a craft or party around a holiday or special event.
  • Offer Carpool and after-school care. A great resource for car time can be found at www.backseatbiblenuggets.com. 

Whether homeschool, private or public education, the intentional Christian grandparent has a great deal to contribute to the balance and health of our grandchildren. Our families need us now more than ever as we navigate the educational systems of our culture. The enemy’s attacks against our children persist to waylay our families and God’s moral foundations. Grandparents can make a difference in their student life. Step up and step into your grandchildren’s education this school year. Don’t forget! Sunday, September 10, 2023 is National Grandparent Day- a call for Christian grandparents to pray and stand in the gap for their grandchildren and future generations.

-Cynthia Moss

Director of GrandLife-Grandparenting Ministry of Shades Mountain Baptist Church

[email protected]

by
12Expo save the date 2023 banner with sponsors(1)

Publisher’s Note

As we turn 23, we would like to invite you to come and celebrate with us at our 4th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo! Saturday September 16, 2023 at the Hoover Met Complex Finley Center. Enjoy fun, free activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and learn about resources right here in our community designed to help meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the family. For a rundown of activities including our Celebrity Chef Stage, click here. 

Crumbl CookiesSpecial thanks to our Sponsors: Children’s of Alabama, Crumbl Cookies Vestavia Hills and Alabaster- soon to be Mountain Brook and Greystone, Alabama Credit Union, Bham Now, EXIT Realty Cahaba, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Jefferson Credit Union, Reignite Chiropractic, Renewal by Andersen, Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association, Thrivent, Vapor Ministries, Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, and Wellcare along with 40 plus exhibitors.Children's of Alabama logo

GIVEAWAYS for SEPTEMBER. You don’t want to miss out on our Expo! The first 250 attendees will receive an Expo Swag Bag full of great giveaways. And all attendees will have the opportunity to play Birthday Bingo- where we will give away prizes throughout the event including cases of Bud’s Best Cookies, gift cards, and so much more.

We look forward to seeing you and your family as we Celebrate the Family & 23 Years of free Good News!

Laurie Stroud Franklin-Laurie Franklin 

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 23 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 (Holman Standard)

by

Legal Matters

presented by: Frank S. Buck P.C., Personal Injury

Texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving. Every week news stations report on yet another car wreck with severe injuries or even death that was caused by texting and driving. These constant and heart wrenching warnings should stop us in our tracks. Yet drivers continue to ignore the risks associated with a cell phone when they take not only their eyes off the road, but their hands off the wheel as well.

The statistics of car wrecks while using a cellphone are overwhelming. A driving analytics company called Zendrive found drivers are using their phones 88% of the time they are in the car. Just a two-second distraction increases your risk of crashing by 20%. A driver going 55 mph can travel 100 yards in five seconds. If that driver is texting, that is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field while blindfolded. One in four car accidents are caused by cell phones. A study from the University of Utah has found that people are as impaired when they drive and use a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated. Cell phone users are 5.36 times more likely to get into an accident than undistracted drivers. The U.S Department of Transportation has found that text messaging increases the risk of crash or near-crash by 23 times. According to national studies, 78% of all accidents, are caused by texting while driving. New teenage drivers are at higher risk. The fatal crash rate for teens is 3 times greater than for drivers age 20 and over.

In an effort to reduce the accidents and fatalities from cell phone use while driving, many states have banned texting and cell phone use while driving. Interestingly, many of the states that have banned cell phones have fewer motor vehicle collisions. Even the cell phone companies know the hazards of cell phone use and driving. In early 2013, the nation’s four biggest cell phone companies launched their first joint advertising campaign against texting while driving. Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile united behind AT&T’s “It Can Wait” advertising campaign, warning their customers against the misuse of their own devices.

Under Alabama law, drivers owe a duty to others on the road to drive with reasonable care. If someone drives in an unreasonable manner, such as driving distracted with a cell phone, and hits another vehicle because of it, that person is legally liable for the resultant injuries. The injured person is entitled to recover money for those injuries. Is that text or phone call worth it? It only takes one second of taking your eyes off the road for a life to be lost or forever changed. Let’s all go back to the basics of driver’s education, eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. If you must respond to a call or text, please pull over to make that call or check that text. Because of the legal issues involved in a personal injury case, please contact us if you or your loved ones are injured so we can help you.

Frank S. Buck, P.C., Attorneys at Law have been offering professional legal services and serving Alabama citizens for over 48 years. We have experienced trial attorneys who have over 100 years of combined trial experience. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (205) 933-7533. Please call us for a free consultation.

 

by
Sanchez Tanniehill Singing

Celebrate the Family Expo

Sanchez Tanniehill is a gospel singer with an amazing story. Tanniehill was born a healthy child but at the age of 6 weeks old, he had a stroke as a result of complications with spinal meningitis. He was not expected to live. His parents were told he would never walk or talk, that he would be deaf and blind, that he would never be able to do what other kids can do. But his mother said, “You don’t know my God.” Tanniehill’s mother began to pray for a miracle and shares she often prayed 1 Samuel 1:28 over him as a child.

Sanchez Tanniehill
Sanchez Tanniehill is a native of Alabaster, Ala. but is often on the road sharing his message of how “God Did It.”

Fast forward 39 years. Despite his disability, Tanniehill has performed on stages all over the United States and in El Salvador. He made it to the second round of American Idol, has released three albums, and was named Gospel Music Artist of the Year by the NAACP. “For many years now, I have been blessed to travel around and share the testimony of what God has done for me through my music,” Tanniehill shares. His single, “God Did It” is his testimony set to music.

God Did It Children's Book
God Did It: The Children’s Book is designed to encourage children with disabilities that they can overcome anything.

In addition to his music, he is the author of two books- God Did It and God Did It: The Children’s Book. The mission of God Did It is to help others overcome any adversity that may try to stop them from living the victorious life God desires. The children’s version of God Did It: The Children’s Book, which tells Tanniehill’s life story, is meant to teach children with disabilities that you can overcome anything. Every day Tanniehill lives his life thanking God for the blessings that He continues to pour on him. He praises God that He answered his mother’s prayers for a miracle. You can learn more about the God Did It Ministries at www.sancheztanniehill.com.

Having endured the loss of his steadfast and faithful mother, he carries her message of Jesus’s enduring love and miracle working power in every note he sings, on every stage in which he performs and on every page of his books. †

God Did It Cover Image
You can grab a copy of God Did It at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 16, 2023.
by
Birdhouses

Special Feature

Alabama’s premier, all-woodworking art festival will celebrate “Shavings, Smoke, and Sound” during its 5th year in Montevallo’s Orr Park on September 9, 2023. This All Star Shelby County Tourism and Recreation Award winning event will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Enjoy a uniquely Montevallo event with live chainsaw wood carving, woodworking artist vendors, Tim Tingle’s Whittling Contest, and a wooden boat race. Festival-goers will find everything from knives, wooden bowls, vases, jewelry, and toys, to handcrafted furniture, bird houses, ornaments, and more!

People walking around the Tinglewood Festival
Entering its fifth year, Tinglewood Festival brings thousands of people to Orr Park annually. Photo by White Rose Film & Photo.

There will also be a classic car show—the 21st Annual Cars by the Creek—a variety of children’s activities, and food vendors on site. New this year, a showcase of International Harvester antique tractors called “Tractors in the Trees” will be added.

Live music runs all day during the festival with a wide variety of styles. Musical acts include the Montevallo High School Jazz Band, Swanglish, The M-80s, The Chuck King Band, and Chase Stewart! The chainsaw carving exhibition will include a panel of well-known artists: Heather Bailey of Alabaster, Alabama; Justin Bailey of Alabaster, Alabama; Corey Lancaster of Princeton, North Carolina; Dave Marshalek of Shelbyville, Tennessee; and Dayton Scoggins of Heidelberg, Mississippi. Artwork created during the festival will be available for purchase. The fifteen freshly-completed sculptures will be available for a “Buy it now” price, and any remaining pieces will be auctioned off at 3 p.m. by Emcee “Dollar” Bill Lawson. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local non-profits Boys & Girls Club, Montevallo Athletic Club, and Shelby Emergency Assistance.

Car show at the Tinglewood Festival
Classic cars of all makes and models are invited to participate in the 21st Annual Cars by the Creek Car Show. Photo by White Rose Film & Photo.

The 21st Annual Cars by the Creek car show welcomes all years, makes, and models of cars. Children’s activities will include a “make and take” art project, the “Balloon Guy,” Dr. Bob’s Traveling Snake Show, Alabama Wildlife Center, Music with Mr. Mac, inflatables courtesy of JAC’s Rentals, a petting zoo, games courtesy of the Boys & Girls Club, and more.

Tinglewood Festival is inspired by a special section of Orr Park, where local artist Tim Tingle has carved faces and creatures into the dead parts of living cedar trees since a fateful ice storm in 1993. The festival is organized by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street, and the Montevallo Arts Collaborative as a signature event for the City of Montevallo. For more information, visit tinglewoodfestival.com, or visit the “Tinglewood Festival” Facebook Page. †

by
Couple Gardening

Special Feature

Have you ever laughed so hard your stomach hurt as your next breath arrived in slow motion? Hilarious people and unexpected situations can cause your tickle box to overflow—often at inappropriate times. Like a favorite old t-shirt, joy can lift a weary mind and relax an exhausted body. Are you in need of a little extra joy?

Benefits of Laughter. According to researchers, the health benefits of laughter are physical and emotional. They also affect personal and social relationships. For instance, joy-induced endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin can help you feel happy, relaxed, and less stressed and improve your immune system. Laughter may provide additional health benefits like burning calories!

Benefits in Marriage. A bond of friendship develops as you make room for fun in marriage. It is easy to get inundated with the responsibilities of life and neglect the simple pleasures. Explore ways to spend time with your spouse and enjoy moments of happiness. Watch a funny show. Giggle with each other. Laugh at yourself. Take advantage of impromptu opportunities to communicate. Who knows, you may hear something humorous that leaves you both in uncontrolled laughter. Snicker at the splash of fresh green paint on your husband’s eyelid from your kitchen update. Chuckle when you realize you wore your blouse inside out all day—with the tag showing.

Spiritual Benefits. Researchers discovered a health fact written long ago: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV). When you are joyful, it restores and improves your health as though you had taken medication. In contrast, when your emotions are down, your body becomes weak and can cause other organs to break down soon afterward. The joy of the Lord can be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV). Perfect joy and happiness are found in having a relationship with Christ and enjoying Him. The psalmist writes, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11ESV).

So, the next time you are cheerful, consider the health benefits you can receive. A joyful heart is good medicine for the body without co-pays, side effects, drug interactions, or expiration dates. Here is the good part: you can ingest it daily and as often as desired.

– Vanessa Jones

Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

@biblicalmarriageinstitute

by
August giveaway graphic

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS. 

Receive a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the Birmingham Baron’s Baseball Faith & Family Night August 18, 2023 sponsored by Birmingham Christian Family. Includes Friday Night Fireworks! 

To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham. 

Barons logoFor EXTRA ENTRIES:

  1. TAG a friend in the comments you would like to take with you.
  2. POST to your story on Instagram
  3. FOLLOW US on Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily
  4. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com. 

Offer ends Sunday 8/13/23. Winner announced 8/14/23 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our page @cfpbirmingham.

Bob Sykes BAR-B-Q Gift Cards, Two Winners of $20 Gift Cards to be used at the legendary restaurant located in Bessemer, Ala, www.BobSykes.com.

Enter on both Facebook & Instagram to double your chances!   

Bob Sykes LogoInstagram. To enter, simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham. 

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

  1. SHARE the giveaway post on your story 
  2. FOLLOW US on Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily
  3. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com. 

Facebook. To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily. 

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • TAG a friend in the comments. 

Offer ends Thursday 8/24/23. Winner announced 8/25/23 on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to FOLLOW our Instagram @cfpbirmingham and Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily pages.

by
bigstock Lifetime of faith 7974

Encouraging Word

Romans 8:29 says that it is God’s will for us to be like Jesus. “…He also predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son…” Let’s focus on three areas that will help us to achieve this. We need to have a: clean heart; a clear mind; and a close walk.

1. Clean Heart. Here the heart is defined as our command center, the seat of life or strength, and the entire emotional nature and understanding. Proverbs 4:23 says “…guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  So, what is it that we need to guard against? Sin. Sin is rebellion against God to disobey and break God’s laws. James 4:17 says to know to do good and not do it, then that is sin. Sin is damaging, destructive, and deadly. Psalm 32:1-5 and Psalm 51:9-12 talk about the danger of sin and the importance of having a clean heart. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

2. Clean Mind. Mind refers to where thought takes place, perceptions are developed, interpretations are made, and where we make decisions and choices. Proverbs 23:7 says that whatever a person thinks within themselves, so they are. Romans 12:2 says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  II Corinthians 10:5 says to take every thought captive. Colossians 3:2 says to set your mind on things above.  Philippians 4:8 gives guidance on what to think about. You can only focus on one thought at a time, so choose your thoughts carefully. Like the children’s song says, “Be careful little mind what you think, for the Father up above is looking down with love…”

3. Close Walk. Walk refers to behavior, lifestyle, spiritual journey, interacting with God through the course of the day, feeling His presence and power, and receiving His strength and guidance. Enoch was a man who walked with God. Genesis 5:24 says, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Micah 6:8 says that we should walk humbly with God. Colossians 1:10 says to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and to please Him in all respects. Galatians 5:25 instructs us to live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. Maintaining a close walk with God requires that we submit to His will, be sensitive to His leading, and be serious about serving Him. 

To be more like Jesus will require that we have a clean heart, clear mind, and close walk. Let me encourage you to stay the course. 

-Tony Cooper

Former Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission

by
Jamie Tarence in kitchen

The Home Front

Back to school season is here, which means you’re probably out shopping for your child’s school supplies and seeking out new clothes for their first day of school photos. You’ve bought the cute backpack, the colorful set of pens, and the stylish lunchbox to prepare them to return to the classroom. But when your mornings are hectic and you’re just trying to get out the door, what food do you pack in their lunchbox? We’ve all thrown together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or shoved in a Lunchable. However, it doesn’t always have to be those items. There are other delicious and quick options out there.

Jamie Tarence in kitchen
Visit www.familysavvy.com for more delicious recipes and home tips from Jamie Tarence.

When my twin girls were in school, they were obsessed with my pesto pasta salad. They enjoyed it so much that I would bring some to their tennis tournaments, and I was surprised at how many girls on the team couldn’t get enough of it! Several moms asked for the recipe because not only did their kids love it, but it takes minimal time and effort to make. Once kids get past the fact that the pasta is green, they fall in love with the pesto flavor. Here is my pesto pasta salad recipe and directions. 

Ingredients:

1 box (or 1 pound) rotini or corkscrew pasta

2 TB extra virgin olive oil

1 cup basil pesto (or more to taste)

1/2 cup Italian dressing 

1 cup feta cheese (or more to taste)

Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

2-3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Place cooked, chopped, seasoned chicken into a medium sized bowl (optional). Boil pasta until firm to the tooth. Drain pasta and toss with extra virgin olive oil; place pasta in bowl with chicken. Add basil pesto to the pasta and chicken, stirring well (add more pesto to taste). Add feta and cherry tomatoes. Stir in Italian dressing; use just enough to give pasta a bit of moisture.

This pasta salad is filling and easy to pack in a lunchbox. If made without chicken, then it’s safe to keep unrefrigerated for longer periods of time, which makes it even easier to take on the go. If your family enjoys this recipe, then I also highly recommend my chicken pesto pizza recipe, which can be made ahead of time. I hope your little ones have a blessed time returning to school!

-Jamie Tarence

www.familysavvy.com 

 

Get MORE
Good News!

Join our Free E-newsletter packed with the latest family fun events, great recipes, inspiring stories, and all kinds of resources for you and your family.

Close the CTA
birmingham christian family logo